Media

Arcade sound system(s)

Contents

Overview

History

Sagas is the first and only Dragon Ball Z game to be released across all sixth generation consoles, the first Dragon Ball Z console game to be developed by a non-Japanese developer (American in this case), and the first Dragon Ball Z game to be released on a non-Japanese console: the Xbox. It also ended up being the only Dragon Ball Z game to be released on the original Xbox, while the Japanese machines (mainly PlayStation 2) continued to get a steady stream of Dragon Ball related games, all of which are still made by Japanese developers.

Sagas and levels

Raditz kidnaps Gohan during the introduction

The game features a single-player adventure mode which ranges from the beginning of Dragon Ball Z through the destruction of Cell. Additionally, the entire game can be played cooperatively with two players. There are about 19 levels in the game, which are split into different sagas: Saiyan Saga, Ginyu Saga, Frieza Saga, Yardrat Saga, Trunks Saga, Androids Saga, and the Cell Games Saga. In the levels of the game, the player completes many quests, buys upgrades, kills many opponents, and fights powerful bosses.

Gameplay

Goku fighting some Saibamen

Sagas has fighting-based gameplay with new abilities becoming available via upgrade. There are three basic fighting styles: Melee, Combo, and Ki. Melee attacks are often swift and leave the opponent temporarily stunned. Combo attacks are several consecutive punches or kicks to the opponent which may contain up to 10 hits. Ki attacks are energy blasts that rely on a rechargeable meter for power. The most powerful ki blast is the "Special Move" found in the first level.

Reception

Sagas received mixed reviews adding up to a 53% on Game Rankings.[1] IGN gave the game 4 out of 10,[2] claiming that, "In the end, Dragon Ball Z: Sagas fails in all departments. It's nowhere near as fun or functional as the Budokai games, and completely fails in taking the series into a new direction." The reviews were mainly a result of lack of gameplay. IGN also claims that "The lack of characters, sagas, and moves is what brings the game down. There is no reason why the very great Dragon Ball Z franchise should be taking a step backwards."